Mind Map (APES)

Mind Map (APES)

1. SMOG

   • Smog creation can be reduced through multiple means, mainly through means that limit the creation of smog. These methods can include, limits on manufacturing, limits on car use, use of alternative energy methods, and use of hybrid or electric vehicles
   • It is normally created through the burning of large amounts of high sulfur coal. However, photochemical smog is created when vehicle emissions make contact with sunlight, normally from burning gas and diesel.
   • Smog is a type of air pollution made up of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Sulpher Dioxide (SOx), Carbon Monoxide (MO), and Volatile Organic Compounds, particulate matter, and ground-level ozone
   • Smog has many different effects. Aside from the obscurations of the sky (due to the high amount of particulate matter in the air), smog is harmful to respiratory system and the eyes when in contact with living organisms. It can cause effects such as eye nose and throat irritation, decreased lung function, and increased chance of respiratory or heart disease (such as cancer)
   • Smog reduces air quality, a critical limiting factor for insect life. Thus when high levels of smog is present, insect carrying capacity is reduced due to the limiting factor of air quality

2. Acid Rain

   • Acid rain is rain the has been made acidic due to contact with some pollutants and chemical compounds.
   • Acid rain is created when compounds like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide (usually found in smog) make contact with water in the air and then fall to the ground as rain. These compounds dissolve very easily in water and can be carried very long distances by water.
   • Acid rain has many harmful effects on the environment. When acid rain seeps into the ground nutrients important to plants like magnesium and phosphorus are degraded which limits the amount plants can take up. In addition acid rain also causes aluminum which inhibits the ability of plants to take up water. Acid rain also has a large effect on bodies of water, acid rain can change the pH of water, which many aquatic organisms are sensitive (deathly so) to.
   • Acid rain can be prevented in much the same way smog is (due to them being intertwined). Thus limits on manufacturing, transportation use, and use of alternative energy methods are the best way to address the creation of acid rain. This limits the amount of pollutants that actually creates acid rain.
   • Acid rain changes the pH of bodies of water. pH is a limiting factor for many aquatic species. Thus, when pH in water is changed typically the native organisms carrying capacity is reduced.

3. Ozone Depletion/CFCs

   • Ozone depletion is a phenomenon which causes the creation of ozone molecules are thrown out of balance and favor the creation of other molecules. Slowly depleting the amount of ozone molecules
   • Ozone depletion is caused by CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) entering the upper atmosphere where ozone is created (the stratosphere). CFCs release a chlorine molecule when in contact with UV radiation, these chlorine atoms remove and oxygen atom for an ozone molecule and replace it. Chlorine atoms can complete this process up to 30 times. The free oxygen atoms favor the creation of oxygen and not ozone, thus ozone is slowly depleted. Known sources of CFCs are refrigerants, blown plastic, and aerosols.
   • The ozone layer is responsible for shielding the Earth from harmful solar radiation. Thus the most notable effect of ozone depletion is increased amounts of UV radiation entering the Earth which can cause burning in plants, animals, and humans. In addition to increased rates of skin cancer.
   • Ozone depletion can be limited by reduction of CFC use. Thus, alternative coolants must be found and CFC must see reduced or removed use in aerosols, industrial products, and refrigerants.
   • UV radiation is a limiting factor for most living organisms. Thus, when high amounts of it are present carrying spacity of most living organism are reduced.

4. Heat Islands

   • Heat islands are urban or suburban areas that are significantly warmer than the surrounding rural areas. Usually due to human activity.
   • They are caused by improper city planning and high density of heat absorbent materials such as asphalt and concrete, which over the course of the day absorb and release heat.
   • This means that average the temperature in the city is significantly hotter, causing discomfort for its denizens. In addition, groundwater when running through the area can be heated, when it runs into nearby bodies of water, those bodies of water temperature is increased, potentially upsetting and even killing life in those bodies of water.
   • This effect can be reduced by using solar reflective and permeable materials in the construction of cities. Energy will be reflected and not absorbed by materials, and water can cool the ground. Also, practices like increased vegetation in cities and green roofs can also increase the solar reflectivity of a city. In additiom, encouraging walking and biking as opposed to driving to locations reduces overall temperature gain.
   • Water temperature is a limiting factor for aquatic organism. Thus if the temperature is increased carrying capacity of aquatic organisms can be reduced.

5. Case Study (Los Angeles)

   • Los Angeles is one of the worst places in The United States in terms of air quality. It regularly experience poor Aie Quality Indices, and in 2012 experienced 112 days where the ozone levels were higher than the federal standard, almost a third of the year. Most places in the United States have close to 0.
   • This is caused by the unique geography of Los Angeles, and the high density of people. Southern California is well known for its valleys, of which Los Angeles is located. This valley is responsible for trapping in smog, of which there is a high amount due to the sheer number of people and high number of cars (which were determined to be the source of nearly 90% of the nitrogen oxide emissions in Los Angeles.
   • This smog causes a number of detrimental effects. Aside from the obscurations of the sky (due to the high amount of particulate matter in the air), smog is harmful to respiratory system and the eyes when in contact with living organisms. It can cause effects such as eye nose and throat irritation, decreased lung function, and increased chance of respiratory or heart disease (such as cancer)
   • Smog creation can be reduced through multiple means, mainly through means that limit the creation of smog. These methods can include, limits on car use, use of alternative energy methods, and use of hybrid or electric vehicles
   • Smog causes health problems in human, it also affects air quality. Air quality is a limiting factor for humans when smog negatively impacts it the carrying capacity of human is decreased.

6. Indoor air pollution

   • Indoor air pollution is harmful pollutants such as fuel-burning combustion appliances, tobacco products, building materials and furnishings as diverse as Deteriorated asbestos-containing insulation, newly installed flooring, upholstery or carpet, cabinetry or furniture made of certain pressed wood products, products for household cleaning and maintenance, personal care, or hobbies central heating and cooling systems and humidification devices, excess moisture, outdoor sources such as radon pesticides
   • It is caused by insufficient or non-existent ventilation within a household to rid it of the pollutants, trapping them inside creating harmful densities of these pollutants.
   • Indoor air pollution has a number of short-term effects such as irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. It can also cause long-term effects such as respiratory diseases, heart disease and cancer.
   • It can be controlled through three ways, improved ventilation, air cleaners (which remove the pollutant from the air), and source control (sealing/redirection of sources).
   • Air quality is a limiting factor for humans when indoor air pollutants negatively impacts it the carrying capacity of human is decreased.